EMU professor, Sherzer Observatory to be featured on "Think Squad" TV show

by Ward Mullens, Published July 22, 2009

YPSILANTI — Eastern Michigan University professor Norbert Vance and the Sherzer Observatory may not be stars yet, but they are about to take one step closer.

Vance, professor of astronomy at EMU, will be featured as part of Detroit Public Television’s “Think Squad” show. The show will be shot at the observatory July 28. An air date for the show has not been scheduled.

“Our production team did research about observatories all over the area. After we saw the facilities and met Norbert, it seemed like a natural fit,” said Alexander Wright, producer of the show. “(The Sherzer Observatory) is just a cool location and a nice fit.”

“Think Squad” is a group of kids who come together to solve science-based riddles or gather information about a science-related topic. The group uses the scientific method to address each situation.

Vance, who has been at EMU since 1991, said that stars will be the topic he tackles with the “Think Squad.”

While this isn’t the first time on TV for Vance or the observatory, he said that it is a bit different than talking about celestial events when they occur.

“I have been on the news for events, but this is scripted. Maybe I need an agent now,” Vance said with a laugh.

Vance said the most important thing about the show is the educational value for viewers.